2014 saw Hyundai enter the highly competitive compact sedan segment with the Xcent, and the premium hatchback market saw the relaunch of the i20. Both models have quickly become success stories for the brand, and have given much confidence to the Korean car maker which aspires to be the 'Most loved brand' in India.
Hyundai aims to step up the game in 2015 by entering the compact SUV and crossover segments. Apart from these hot launches, existing products are scheduled to get their midlife facelifts next year.
Here is a list of new Hyundai vehicles that are expected to come next year.
1. Hyundai Elite i20 Cross:
Taking a page from the VW Cross Polo, the Elite i20 is set to get a 'cross' variant and a market launch will take place early next year, a Hyundai India official confirmed. LED daytime running lights, projector headlights, skid guards, roof rails, body cladding and petal-shaped alloy wheels will be seen in the features list of the already well equipped hatchback. The engines will be carried over from the Elite.
2. Hyundai Verna Facelift:
The Verna, which was once the king of its segment, has seen newer models like the Honda City and Maruti Ciaz overtake it in terms of sales. Hyundai India plans on introducing the refreshed Verna which gets a redesigned front fascia and LED taillights in the first quarter of next year. While there are no significant interior updates, the Verna facelift could get a 6-speed automatic transmission that will replace the aging 4-speed unit.
3. Hyundai Elantra Facelift:
The Elantra too saw a mild facelift last year in international markets, and this refreshed model will come to India next year. Redesigned headlights with integrated daytime running lights, new alloy wheel patterns and LED taillights are some of the cosmetic revisions designers have carried out. Mechanically, the sedan is likely to remain the same.
4. Hyundai ix25:
Unquestionably the most anticipated product to launch next year will be the Hyundai ix25 compact SUV. With handsome styling carried over from the Santa Fe, a feature-packed interior with top-notch build quality and generous interior space, the ix25 is certain to give cars like the Duster and Scorpio a run for their money.
5. Hyundai Eon Facelift:
Hyundai's entry-level product is not to be forgotten even as the manufacturer launches premium cars like the Elite Cross and ix25. The Eon facelift has been spotted testing in India and Korea, and hints that it would come with a redesigned front fascia. The tried-and-tested 0.8- and 1.0-liter petrol engines will continue duty on the refreshed Eon though.
6. 2015 Hyundai Sonata:
The Indian introduction of the new Sonata rests completely on how well Hyundai India can change the brand perception of the car. A company official told Indian Autos Blog that the Sonata has poor brand recall in the country owing to strong competitors like the Skoda Superb and VW Passat. However, once the company finds a way around this, the new generation more technically advanced Sonata is sure to find its way to Indian shores.
